Written Answers Tuesday 18 September 2007

Scottish Executive

Agri-Environment Schemes

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-3137 by Richard Lochhead on 3 September 2007, what percentage of the actual area of agricultural land was covered by agri-environmental measures in 2005.

Richard Lochhead: In 2005, 20% of agricultural land was subject to agri-environment agreements.

Alcohol Misuse

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many alcohol-related deaths there have been in (a) West Dunbartonshire and (b) East Dunbartonshire since 1996.

Shona Robison: The information requested is given in the following table. It uses a definition of alcohol-related deaths agreed with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2006 following wide consultation. Figures only include cases where the selected causes were the main cause of death.

  

Year
West Dunbartonshire
East Dunbartonshire


1996
29
21


1997
30
14


1998
25
20


1999
28
12


2000
28
13


2001
35
21


2002
46
20


2003
47
21


2004
41
21


2005
41
22


2006
45
23

Central Heating

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people who have had central heating installed since 1 October 2006 under the central heating programme have made a contribution towards the cost of their installations.

Stewart Maxwell: I have asked Angiolina Foster, Chief Executive of Communities Scotland to respond. Her response is as follows:

  Householders can and do make a contribution towards the cost of their central heating system if the cost of installing the system is above the maximum grant available. This can occur if householders choose to have additional, voluntary work carried out such as the installation of further radiators and the associated pipe work.The Programme Managing Agent (Scottish Gas) has indicated to Communities Scotland that the number of householders who have made a contribution to their central heating installation since October 2006 is 2,428. Scottish Gas has indicated that all contributions, so far, have been for the additional, voluntary works and no payments have been made as a result of the maximum grant limit being insufficient for the installation of basic measures.

Concessionary Travel

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have used the older and disabled persons concessionary travel scheme; what proportion of the total eligible population has used the scheme at least once; what percentage of the current scheme budget is committed, and what the current budget is for promotion of the scheme.

Stewart Stevenson: Transport Scotland can report on the number of people in receipt of National Entitlement Cards to access Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People but cannot report on what proportion of the total eligible population has used the scheme at least once.

  As of today’s date there are 1,005,192 valid National Entitlement Cards in circulation.The current budget for 2007-08 relating to the Older and Disabled Persons Scheme is:Bus £163 million - 100% of this has been committed for the year.Ferry £0.728 million - 42% of this has been committed for the year.The current marketing budget for Scotland-Wide Free Bus Travel for Older and Disabled People for 2007-08 is £100,000.

Concessionary Travel

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have used the younger persons concessionary travel scheme; what proportion of the total eligible population has used the scheme at least once; what percentage of the current budget is committed, and what the current budget is for promotion of the scheme.

Stewart Stevenson: To date, almost 30,000 National Entitlement Cards have been issued to eligible young people. This is 16% of the total eligible population. 31% of the current budget of £23.85 million is committed to the scheme. In addition, the current budget for promotion of the scheme is £250,000.

  Whilst the scheme is operated in a non-smart card basis it is not possible to establish how many people have used the younger persons concessionary travel scheme and what proportion of the total eligible population has used the scheme at least once. However, it has been calculated that an average of 28,000 bus journeys have been made each month during the first seven months of the scheme. This does not include rail or ferry travel.

Constitution

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what estimates have been made of the cost of conducting the national conversation described in Choosing Scotland’s Future: A National Conversation .

Nicola Sturgeon: The cost of producing and translating the document is around £35,000 (including the web version, the design, printing and the summary in eight languages and a full Gaelic version). Distribution of the document cost a further £5,000, and the cost of the launch event was £8,000. The total cost of launching the national conversation to date is therefore £48,000.

  The costs of carrying out the conversation will depend on how its structure develops, in light of responses from the people of Scotland as to how they wish to be involved. The work is being carried out within existing resources from the government’s constitutional policy and communications teams.

Constitution

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many civil servants will be involved in the national conversation described in Choosing Scotland’s Future: A National Conversation .

Nicola Sturgeon: The white paper invites people to sign up for the national conversation, and indicate how they wish to contribute. The paper also invites people to suggest how the conversation would best be structured to ensure the greatest possible involvement of the people of Scotland. The exact form of the national conversation will depend on the responses received, but the government is determined to support a conversation that ensures that all sectors of Scottish society have the opportunity to contribute.

  The level of civil service support will reflect decisions made as the national conversation develops.

Constitution

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many public meetings, events, workshops. road shows, exhibitions, conferences and media opportunities have been planned for the national conversation described in Choosing Scotland’s Future: A National Conversation .

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what funding it anticipates making available to organisations wishing to participate in the national conversation described in Choosing Scotland’s Future: A National Conversation .

Iain Smith (North East Fife) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the full extent of civic society is involved in its national conversation on Scotland’s constitutional future.

Nicola Sturgeon: The white paper invites people to sign up for the national conversation, and indicate how they wish to contribute. The paper also invites people to suggest how the conversation would best be structured to ensure the greatest possible involvement of the people of Scotland. The exact form of the national conversation will depend on the responses received, but the government is determined to support a conversation that ensures that all sectors of Scottish society have the opportunity to contribute.

Constitution

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be to it of negotiating a settlement with the government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state as set out in Choosing Scotland’s Future: A National Conversation .

Nicola Sturgeon: On the basis of such a negotiation taking place after the support of the Scottish people in a referendum, the government would expect such negotiations to be friendly and speedy.

Constitution

Hugh Henry (Paisley South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive under what circumstances it considers that it would be appropriate for the UK Government to hold the Executive to account for any of its responsibilities or for any measures jointly agreed.

Bruce Crawford: The Scottish Government is accountable to the Scottish Parliament. Both the Parliament and the government are ultimately accountable to the people of Scotland.

Council Tax

Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the legal power to require every local authority to freeze council tax at 2007-08 levels.

John Swinney: There are existing legislative powers to enable Scottish ministers to propose a reduction in council tax levels in certain circumstances but I believe that a council tax freeze at 2007-08 levels can best be achieved through negotiation and agreement with local government. I am currently in constructive discussions with local government to determine how best a council tax freeze can be achieved in 2008-09.

Council Tax

Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has the legal power to stop a local authority from increasing council tax in its area from its 2007-08 level.

John Swinney: There are existing legislative powers to enable Scottish ministers to propose a reduction in council tax levels in certain circumstances but I believe that a council tax freeze at 2007-08 levels can best be achieved through negotiation and agreement with local government. This is the course of action I intend to pursue.

Council Tax

Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive who is responsible for setting the level of council tax in each local authority area.

John Swinney: It is the responsibility of each individual local authority to determine its own level of council tax taking into account the total resources available to it and its local needs and priorities. That is why I am in constructive discussions with local government to determine how best a council tax freeze can be achieved for 2008-09.

Council Tax

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the proposed freeze in council tax at 2007-08 levels will be in cash or real terms.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government is committed to a council tax freeze at 2007-08 levels in cash terms. I am currently in constructive discussions with local government on how best this can be achieved.

European Funding

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive why it decided to allocate a proportion of the European Regional Development Fund Priority 4 funding for rural development to the South of Scotland Alliance as an intermediate delivery body.

Jim Mather: The decision was taken to introduce special commissioning arrangements for the south of Scotland in recognition of the sizable development challenges of the area, its track record in making value-added and effective use of Structural Funds in the past and its ambitions in its Competitiveness Strategy. To take forward this arrangement, we will commission one of the two local authorities in the South of Scotland to operate a global grants scheme under the terms of European regulations. The contract will last for three years in the first instance.

European Funding

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what European structural funding is envisaged for Perth and Kinross Council for each of the next 10 years.

Jim Mather: Scotland will receive some £540.2 million of European Structural Funds over the new seven year programme period (assuming an exchange rate of €1.45 to £1). Within this bloc, Lowlands and Uplands Scotland would receive £423.8 million for ERDF and ESF Programmes under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective.

  For the 2007-13 programmes the annual allocations under each priority will be more or less the same each year. In Lowlands and Uplands Scotland all areas are eligible to bid for funding for Priorities 1 and 2 of ERDF programme and Priorities 2 and 3 of ESF Programme. Additionally, projects within the Perth and Kinross local authority area are eligible to bid for funding under Priority 4 (Rural Development) of the ERDF programme in the first round. The list of areas eligible for funding under this priority will be reviewed annually.Funding beyond 2013 cannot be estimated at this stage.

European Funding

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what European Regional Development Fund Priority 4 rural development funding is envisaged for Lowlands and Uplands Scotland for each of the next 10 years.

Jim Mather: Scotland will receive some £540.2 million of European Structural Funds over the new 7 year programme period (assuming an exchange rate of €1.45 to £1). Approximately £35.26 million has been allocated to Priority 4 (Rural Development) of the 2007-13 Lowlands and Uplands Scotland ERDF programme.

  Funding beyond 2013 cannot be estimated at this stage.

European Funding

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what European structural funding is envisaged for Stirling Council for each of the next 10 years.

Jim Mather: Scotland will receive some £540.2 million of European Structural Funds over the new 7 year programme period (assuming an exchange rate of €1.45 to £1). Within this bloc, Lowlands and Uplands Scotland would receive £423.8 million for ERDF and ESF Programmes under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective.

  For the 2007-13 programmes the annual allocations under each priority will be more or less the same each year. In Lowlands and Uplands Scotland all areas are eligible to bid for funding for Priorities 1 and 2 of ERDF programme and Priorities 2 and 3 of ESF programme. Additionally, projects within the Stirling local authority area are eligible to bid for funding under Priority 4 (Rural Development) of the ERDF programme in the first round. The list of areas eligible for funding under this priority will be reviewed annually.Funding beyond 2013 cannot be estimated at this stage.

European Funding

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what European structural funding is envisaged for Clackmannanshire Council for each of the next 10 years.

Jim Mather: Scotland will receive some £540.2 million of European Structural Funds over the new seven year programme period (assuming an exchange rate of €1.45 to £1). Within this bloc, Lowlands and Uplands Scotland would receive £423.8 million for ERDF and ESF Programmes under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective.

  For the 2007-13 programmes the annual allocations under each priority will be more or less the same each year. In Lowlands and Uplands Scotland all areas are eligible to bid for funding for Priorities 1 and 2 of the ERDF programme and Priorities 2 and 3 of the ESF Programme. Additionally, projects within the Clackmannanshire local authority area are eligible to bid for funding under Priority 3 (Urban Regeneration) of the ERDF programme and Priority 1 (Progressing into Employment) of the ESF programme in the first round. The list of areas eligible for funding under these priorities will be reviewed annually.Funding beyond 2013 cannot be estimated at this stage.

European Funding

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what European structural funding is envisaged for Fife Council for each of the next 10 years.

Jim Mather: Scotland will receive some £540.2 million of European Structural Funds over the new seven year programme period (assuming an exchange rate of €1.45 to £1). Within this bloc, Lowlands and Uplands Scotland would receive £423.8 million for ERDF and ESF Programmes under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective.

  For the 2007-13 programmes the annual allocations under each priority will be more or less the same each year. In Lowlands and Uplands Scotland all areas are eligible to bid for funding for Priorities 1 and 2 of the ERDF programme and Priorities 2 and 3 of the ESF Programme. Additionally, projects within the Fife local authority area are eligible to bid for funding under Priority 3 (Urban Regeneration) of the ERDF programme and Priority 1 (Progressing into Employment) of the ESF programme in the first round. The list of areas eligible for funding under these Priorities will be reviewed annually.Funding beyond 2013 cannot be estimated at this stage.

Ferry Services

Alex Johnstone (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-3346 by Stewart Stevenson on 4 September 2007, whether it will provide a breakdown by harbour and pier of the £110,583.33 per month harbour access fee paid by CalMac Ferries Ltd to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and what the equivalent breakdown is for private sector operators.

Stewart Stevenson: The monthly fee paid by CalMac Ferries Ltd is a composite figure that has been calculated to cover all of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) ports and it does not represent an aggregation of charges for individual ports. Consequently there is no further breakdown available for individual ports. This fee is based on the costs of maintaining the ports. In addition, CalMac Ferries Ltd meets the costs of harbour operations and harbour management, functions it is required to carry out on behalf of CMAL and the cost of these functions is not included in the monthly figure of £110,583.33.

  Private sector operators wishing to use CMAL port facilities are free to approach CMAL regarding harbour fees. CMAL are currently reviewing the rates applied by the former Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. CMAL intend to treat all operators who utilise their facilities in an equitable manner.

Fisheries

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will meet the 2007 SNP commitment to consult on a new entrants scheme for the fishing industry and what action it will take to encourage new people into the sector.

Richard Lochhead: The Scottish Government is committed to helping attract crews and skippers of the future into the Scottish fishing industry and we will consult the industry formally on proposals in the New Year with the aim of reducing barriers to entry.

  In the context of the current review of quota management arrangements, work is underway to look at a range of possible options including a national quota reserve for new entrants, how such quota could be gathered from a range of sources and how it might be distributed. Importantly also, we will look at what conditions would have to be put in place to guard against abuse of any arrangements.I will also be asking the Scottish Sea Fisheries Council to consider and recommend how new crew members can be encouraged into the industry.

Flooding

Jim Tolson (Dunfermline West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider reviewing national policy regarding developments at risk of flooding, contained in Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 7 - Planning and Flooding, in light of changing weather patterns.

Stewart Stevenson: Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) 7 - Planning and Flooding was prepared in the light of predictions that Scotland’s climate would change. We are satisfied that it continues to provide a robust framework for flooding but will keep it under review.

Food Industry

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will introduce a food marketing board for Scotland.

Richard Lochhead: The recently launched new industry leadership body, Scotland Food and Drink, will take on a significant role in bringing together Scotland’s producers and manufacturers to enable all of Scotland’s food industry to better market Scottish food locally and internationally, capitalising on the excellent reputation we have for high quality produce.

Food Labelling

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to improve country of origin labelling for foods.

Richard Lochhead: I am advised on food labelling by the Food Standards Agency. The existing country of origin labelling requirements are currently being considered as part of a wider review of food labelling by the EC. The agency is also preparing to consult on a revised version of its guidance on country of origin labelling.

Health

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how it would define an acute district general hospital.

Nicola Sturgeon: There is no precise definition or definitive description of an acute district general hospital. Acute hospitals provide a wide range of specialist care and treatment for patients. These services will vary depending on geographical location, proximity to other acute hospitals and specialists centres, and the skills and experience of clinical staff. Services at a district general hospital could include: consultation with specialist clinicians (consultant medical staff, nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists and a wide range of other professionals); emergency treatment following accidents; routine and complex surgery; specialist diagnostic procedures, and close observation and short-term care of patients with worrying health symptoms.

Health

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there any plans for the redesign of acute health services in the Lothians.

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans for the relocation of any acute health services in the Lothians.

Nicola Sturgeon: This is a matter for NHS Lothian. I understand that the board set out its plans for the redesign of acute health services during a public consultation in 2004 entitled "Improving Care, Investing in Change". I further understand that most of the action flowing from these plans has been taken but that some aspects of the plans are still to be implemented.

  Any proposal for further major service changes would have to be subject to full consultation with the public and would require ministerial approval.

Health

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for colorectal surgery services in the Lothians.

Nicola Sturgeon: Current plans approved by NHS Lothian Board include the relocation of colorectal surgery from the Western General Hospital to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to concentrate all general surgery on one site and to ensure compliance with the European Working Times Directive.

Health

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are for intensive therapy unit services in the Lothians.

Nicola Sturgeon: NHS Lothian has critical care capability on all three acute hospital sites - Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital and St John’s - to ensure safe, high-quality care for patients receiving acute care on these sites. I understand from the board that this capability will continue to be required.

Health

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to change from a level 3 to a level 2 provision of intensive therapy unit services anywhere in the Lothians.

Nicola Sturgeon: Service change proposals are a matter for NHS Lothian. I am not aware of any such plans. Any proposal for major service changes would have to be subject to full consultation with the public and would require ministerial approval.

Health

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made with respect to a catchment area review of acute hospitals in the Lothians.

Nicola Sturgeon: I understand from NHS Lothian that the board is preparing a plan to change the current catchment areas (zones) for emergency medical admissions. NHS Lothian have confirmed that they expect to implement the plan in early 2008.

Health

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has made any assessment of the report in 2002 by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists on adult male hypogonadism.

Shona Robison: We are aware of this report which deals with particular approaches regarding the diagnosis and management of those who may benefit from treatment with testosterone. NHS boards are responsible for the planning and provision of NHS services and for ensuring the treatments provided are safe and effective.

Health

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any research suggesting that lower than normal levels of testosterone can cause type 2 diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, ischemic heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis in men.

Shona Robison: We are aware that there is substantial evidence of an association between lower levels of testosterone and some of these conditions. There is no scientific evidence to suggest whether this is a cause and effect relationship.

Health

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers the use of the free androgen index to establish hormone health in men to be reliable.

Shona Robison: Scientific evidence suggests that the free androgen index is not a reliable indicator of hormone health in men.

Health

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the possible benefit of using testosterone therapy when treating co-morbid patients.

Shona Robison: Scientific evidence suggests that in men with specific causes of testosterone deficiency (such as trauma) testosterone therapy can be helpful as opposed to men with relative testosterone deficiency where the benefits of treatment have a weaker evidence base. As with all treatments there are risks and the diagnosis and management of individuals is a matter of clinical judgement.

Health

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the male population suffers from testosterone deficiency.

Shona Robison: This information is not held centrally.

Health

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether guidance is made available to NHS boards on the diagnosis and treatment of testosterone deficiency.

Shona Robison: The Scottish Government has not issued specific guidance to NHS boards on the diagnosis and treatment of testosterone deficiency. The Scottish Medicines Consortium issued guidance in 2004 on testosterone replacement therapies for men with primary or secondary hypogonadism.

Health

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how it will improve understanding of testosterone deficiency and its treatment.

Shona Robison: The understanding of testosterone deficiency and its treatment is under active consideration by the scientific community and professional bodies.

Health

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-31920 by Mr Andy Kerr on 27 February 2007, whether, following the approval of Lucentis® (ranibizumab) on 22 January 2007 by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency, the Scottish Medicines Consortium has made a recommendation regarding the use of this therapy.

Shona Robison: The Scottish Medicines Consortium recommended Lucentis for use in NHS Scotland on 11 June 2007. Further information is available at: www.scottishmedicines.org .

Health

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is satisfied that NHS boards give sufficient priority to ensuring that patients with age-related macular degeneration who require photodynamic therapy treatment receive it and to implementing the appropriate clinical patient pathways for such patients.

Shona Robison: Patient pathways for this condition have been developed and we expect patients to be treated by NHS boards according to their circumstances.

Health

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether photodynamic therapy treatment, which is currently provided for people with classic wet age-related macular degeneration with no occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation, in accordance with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance, will be considered by the Scottish Medicines Consortium or NHS Quality Improvement Scotland for people with the non-classic forms of the condition.

Shona Robison: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has found that photodynamic therapy may provide most benefit to people who have wet age-related macular degeneration which is classic with no occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation and who have best corrected visual acuity of 6/60 or better. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland endorsed this recommendation. NICE may review this recommendation in the future and if the manufacturer of the drug involved were to make a submission to the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for an alternative indication then this is something that the SMC could consider.

Health

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps are being taken to ensure quicker diagnosis of patients with treatable forms of wet age-related macular degeneration.

Shona Robison: Recent developments in eye care mean that optometrists can refer patients directly to the hospital when their condition requires this. One of the expected benefits of the new NHS eye examination will be to encourage the early detection of co-morbidity and improve patient outcomes by early diagnosis and treatment.

Health

Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to establish a Scottish centre for intergenerational practice.

Shona Robison: A Scottish Centre for Intergenerational Practice was one of the commitments in All Our Futures; Planning for a Scotland with an Ageing Population . The Scottish Government endorses All Our Futures as a clear strategy for the future and supports its overall conclusions.

  In liaison with Scottish Government officials, stakeholders from Community Service Volunteer’s - Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (CSV/RSVP), Better Government for Older People (BGOP), the Scottish Mentoring Network, Children in Scotland and the Senior Studies Institute at the University of Strathclyde have developed proposals, which will be presented to the Older People’s Consultative Forum on 27 September 2007. The Scottish Government is committed to working with stakeholders to develop these proposals for a Scottish Centre for Intergenerational Practice.

Housing

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether registered social landlords (RSL) may designate certain properties or property types as suitable for tenants with particular needs, such as elderly or disabled people, and whether such designation can exempt these properties from being (a) allocated through the RSL’s general housing list and (b) required to be offered to homeless applicants referred to RSLs from local authorities under section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.

Stewart Maxwell: Registered social landlords (RSL) can exempt from the general housing needs list properties which have been designed or substantially adapted for occupation by persons of a particular age group, or properties allocated to persons who are, or are to be, in receipt of housing support services (within the meaning of section 91 of the 2001 act), for persons of a particular age group.

  Statutory guidance on section 5 referrals states that where the only accommodation an RSL has available is of a particular nature (for example, sheltered housing for older people, specialist supported accommodation etc) and it is not appropriate for the applicant, then the RSL has good reason for not complying with a request from a local authority to house a homeless applicant under a section 5 referral.

Housing

Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Housing Supply Task Force makes publicly available details of the land with outline planning permission currently owned by major house building firms.

Johann Lamont (Glasgow Pollok) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that the Housing Supply Task Force makes publicly available details of the land for potential housing development currently owned by public agencies and local authorities.

Stewart Maxwell: The Housing Supply Task Force is continuing to develop its agenda and will make public its findings at the appropriate time.

International Development

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-3696 by Linda Fabiani on 4 September 2007, whether it will provide a profile of the funding for international development for each year from 2007-08 to 2011-12.

Linda Fabiani: I announced our commitment to increase funding for international development to £9 million within the lifetime of this Parliament, within the context of the current spending review. I cannot confirm a funding profile until the current spending review is complete.

International Relations

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-3067 by Linda Fabiani on 20 August 2007, when it will make a decision on the replacement for the First Secretary for Scottish Affairs in the United States of America.

Linda Fabiani: I hope that the issue of the filling of this post will be resolved shortly.

Justice

John Wilson (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-2269 by Kenny MacAskill on 9 August 2007, what the likely timetable is for on-going monitoring and independent evaluation of the non-bench serving Justices of the Peace.

Kenny MacAskill: Plans are currently being developed for evaluation of the strands of summary justice reform for which qualitative data will be necessary. This includes the provision of signing services to the public. The reforms to summary justice will require time to bed in and for this reason results from the evaluation are expected to become available in 2009.

Justice

David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many charges for driving without insurance that resulted in criminal proceedings were reported to procurators fiscal at (a) Campbeltown, (b) Dunoon and (c) Oban in each of the last three years.

Right Hon Elish Angiolini QC: The numbers of charges reported to Procurators Fiscal which resulted in court proceedings for driving without insurance in each jurisdiction are shown in the following table.

  Charges: Offences under Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988

  

Procurator Fiscal Office
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07


Campbeltown
28
36
19


Dunoon
58
71
58


Oban
70
62
46



  Notes:1. The information in the table has been extracted from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s case management database. The database is a live, operational database used to manage the processing of reports submitted to procurators fiscal by the police and other reporting agencies. If a Procurator Fiscal amends a charge submitted by a reporting agency, the database will record details only of the amended charge.2. The database is charge-based. The figures quoted therefore relate to the number of charges rather than the number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges.3. The table reflects the position at 6 September 2007.

Justice

Cathie Craigie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive who are classified as minor offenders.

Cathie Craigie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many minor offenders are held in prisons.

Kenny MacAskill: The Scottish Government has not established any classification of "minor offenders".

Justice

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is committed to expanding hate crime legislation.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when it plans to introduce hate crime legislation to protect disabled people and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, as promised in the SNP manifesto.

Kenny MacAskill: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-254 on 6 June 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search .

Legal Aid

Bill Aitken (Glasgow) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost has been of civil legal aid and what amount has been recovered from defenders where legal aid has been granted to a successful pursuer in each of the last five years.

Kenny MacAskill: The Scottish Legal Aid Board’s system which records receipt of property recovered or preserved, and expenses from opponents, does not record whether the opponent was the pursuer or defender in the case. SLAB summarises in its annual report , a copy of which has been placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 41341), information on the amount of expenses and awards recovered from opponents, whether pursuer or defender. These amounts for the last five years are shown in the following table.  Gross Cost of Civil Legal Aid, Expenses and Awards Recovered from Opponents (£000), 2002-03 to 2006-07

  

 
Gross Cost 
Expenses 
Amounts Awarded
to Assisted Persons 
Total Recovered from Opponents 


2002-03 
 
 
 
 


Family/matrimonial 
16,062 
1,798 
1,007 
2,805 


Debt 
512 
121 
15 
136 


Reparation 
7,789 
4,741 
254 
4,995 


Judicial review 
266 
71 
0 
71 


Appeals 
461 
74 
0 
74 


Recovery of heritable property 
120 
0 
0 
0 


Other 
1,862 
299 
24 
323 


Total 
27,071 
7,104 
1,300 
8,404 


2003-04 
 
 
 
 


Family/matrimonial 
16,562 
742 
880 
1,622 


Debt 
536 
152 
35 
187 


Reparation 
9,145 
7,208 
204 
7,412 


Judicial review 
238 
86 
0 
86 


Appeals 
675 
207 
14 
221 


Recovery of heritable property 
171 
0 
0 
0 


Other 
2,667 
342 
29 
371 


Total 
29,994 
8,737 
1,162 
9,899 


2004-05 
 
 
 
 


Family/matrimonial 
16,035 
529 
754 
1,283 


Debt 
524 
70 
34 
104 


Reparation 
10,392 
8,791 
142 
8,933 


Judicial review 
485 
103 
0 
103 


Appeals 
517 
113 
4 
117 


Recovery of heritable property 
174 
41 
1 
42 


Other 
2,694 
166 
52 
218 


Total 
30,821 
9,813 
987 
10,800 


2005-06 
 
 
 
 


Family/matrimonial 
16,016 
365 
712 
1,077 


Debt 
553 
88 
14 
101 


Reparation 
9,085 
7,493 
126 
7,619 


Judicial review 
678 
102 
0
102 


Appeals 
918 
440 
0
440 


Recovery of heritable property 
155 
31 
4 
35 


Other 
2,223 
223 
35 
257 


Total 
29,627 
8,740 
891 
9,631 


2006-07 
 
 
 
 


Family/matrimonial 
16,340 
437 
1,198 
1,635 


Debt 
756 
346 
61 
406 


Reparation 
10,343 
7,263 
219 
7,482 


Judicial review 
745 
389 
0 
389 


Appeals 
648 
172 
1 
172 


Recovery of heritable property 
268 
21 
11 
33 


Other 
2,328 
168 
36 
204 


Total 
31,428 
8,795 
1,526 
10,320 



  It will be noted from the table that in four of the last five years, over 70% of the sums recovered by the Board from opponents relate to reparation cases. The vast majority of legally aided parties in such cases are pursuers, meaning that the vast majority of these sums will have been paid by defenders. In judicial review, all of the expenses will have been paid by defenders (or, more accurately, respondents). For other types of case, including family cases, legal aid may be granted to either the pursuer or defender and so it is not possible to say how much of the amounts recovered in these cases comes from defenders.

Local Electoral Administration and Registration Services (Scotland) Act 2006

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what information it can seek, store and give to third parties, pursuant to section 57 of the Local Electoral Administration and Registration Services (Scotland) Act 2006.

Jim Mather: Section 57 strictly limits the information which may be stored by the Registrar General for Scotland, the sources of that information and with whom it may be shared. The limits, which may only be extended with the consent of the Scottish Parliament, are set out in section 57 itself and in The National Health Service Central Register (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006 No. 484).

Local Government

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many meals were served by each local authority in 2006 and will be served in 2007.

John Swinney: This is a matter for individual local authorities and no information is held centrally by the Scottish Government.

Marine Environment

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings have taken place since May 2007 between its Marine Directorate and the UK Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform or its predecessor regarding the devolution of further powers for the Scottish Parliament under UK marine legislation.

Richard Lochhead: There is regular dialogue between officials in the Marine Directorate and a variety of UK Government Departments in relation to marine issues. In relation to the UK Marine Bill, officials from the Marine Directorate attend Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Steering Group which consists of officials from UK departments and the devolved administrations, including the UK Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. This group has considered the proposals for UK marine legislation and the implications for Scotland, including the potential for further devolution.

Marine Environment

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings have taken place since May 2007 between its Marine Directorate and the UK Department for Transport regarding the devolution of further powers for the Scottish Parliament under UK marine legislation.

Richard Lochhead: There is regular dialogue between officials in the Marine Directorate and a variety of UK Government Departments in relation to marine issues. In relation to the UK Marine Bill, officials from the Marine Directorate attend Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Steering Group which consists of officials from UK departments and the devolved administrations, including the UK Department for Transport. This group has considered the proposals for UK marine legislation and the implications for Scotland, including the potential for further devolution.

Marine Environment

Robin Harper (Lothians) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive how many meetings have been held with the Scotland Office to discuss the devolution of further powers under UK marine legislation.

Richard Lochhead: There is regular dialogue between the Scottish Government and a variety of UK Government Departments in relation to marine issues. In relation to the UK Marine Bill, officials attend the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Steering Group which consists of officials from UK departments and the devolved administrations, including the Scotland Office. This group has considered the proposals for UK marine legislation and the implications for Scotland, including the potential for further devolution.

Marine Environment

Robin Harper (Lothians) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish its consultation on proposed Scottish marine legislation and whom, other than the fishing industry, it considers to be relevant users.

Richard Lochhead: As indicated in the answer to question S3W-3133 on 3 September 2007, it is my intention to announce the Scottish Government’s plans for Scottish Marine Legislation in due course. At that point I will provide more information about the proposed consultation.

  We consider relevant users to mean the wide range of stakeholders with an interest in marine and coastal issues. This will include, but is not limited to, marine industries, stakeholder groups, environmental NGOs, statutory agencies, local authorities, community organisations and individuals, participants in the work of the Advisory Group on Marine and Coastal Strategy, and participants in the previous Parliament’s Environment and Rural Development Committee marine inquiry.

Medical Students

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many medical students have graduated from Scotland’s universities in each year since 1997.

Nicola Sturgeon: The following table shows how many students have graduated in clinical medicine from Scotland’s universities each year since 1997. The numbers include those students undertaking first degrees and post graduate qualifications.

  

Year
Number of Students


1997-98
890


1998-99
945


1999-2000
910


2000-01
865


2001-02
995


2002-03
1,010


2003-04
1,005


2004-05
1,105


2005-06
960



  Note: Students from St. Andrews University are not included as they typically complete their training at Manchester University. The figures include graduates who studied clinical medicine in conjunction with other subjects.

NHS Hospitals

Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it would support the centralisation of health services resulting in one acute hospital serving the Lothians.

Nicola Sturgeon: NHS Lothian provides services to patients from three acute hospital sites - the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, St John’s at Livingston and the Western General Hospital. NHS Lothian has publicly committed to retaining these three sites as acute hospitals and has assured me that there are no plans to change this.

NHS Hospitals

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-2932 by Shona Robison on 27 August 2007, what information it has been given by NHS Lanarkshire regarding the anticipated impact of the retention of accident and emergency services at three hospitals on resources available to deliver the board’s primary care and community development programme.

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-2938 by Shona Robison on 27 August 2007, what information it has been given by NHS Ayrshire and Arran regarding the anticipated impact of the retention of accident and emergency services at two hospitals on resources available to deliver the board’s primary care and community development programme.

Nicola Sturgeon: None.

Oil and Gas Industry

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to establish an oil and gas skills academy.

Jim Mather: We are working through PILOT, the joint industry/government taskforce, on the key issues that are vital for the oil and gas industry’s future success. PILOT and the industry, together with The Scottish Government, are working together to deliver a range of training programmes that will ensure the continuing availability of a safe, effective and highly skilled workforce.

  The Scottish Government has no current plans to establish an oil and gas academy in Scotland.

Oil and Gas Industry

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken with the Unite (Amicus Section) trade union on the establishment of an oil and gas skills academy.

Jim Mather: There has been no recent bilateral consultation but there is trade union representation on PILOT.

Oil and Gas Industry

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation it has undertaken with the stakeholders in the oil and gas industry on the need to address skills gaps.

Jim Mather: We are working through PILOT, the joint industry/government taskforce, on the key issues that are vital for the oil and gas industry’s future success. PILOT and the industry, together with The Scottish Government, are working together to deliver a range of training programmes that will ensure the continuing availability of a safe, effective and highly skilled workforce.

Olympic Games

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers have held, or intend to hold, meetings with the UK Government to discuss the impact of the London 2012 Olympic Games on Scotland.

Stewart Maxwell: Scottish ministers are in regular contact with the UK Government on a wide range of issues, including the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on Scotland.

Piers and Harbours

Alex Johnstone (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what fees are paid by Cowal Ferries Ltd for access to Gourock pier.

Stewart Stevenson: Cowal Ferries Ltd are currently paying £400,000 per annum to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) for the use of Gourock pier. This comprises three elements namely, the costs of harbour maintenance, harbour operations and harbour management.

Prison Service

Lewis Macdonald (Aberdeen Central) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive on what date a decision was made to replace Aberdeen and Peterhead prisons with a new prison in or near to Peterhead.

Kenny MacAskill: I announced the Scottish Government’s decision on Friday, 24 August.

Prison Service

Cathie Craigie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many fine defaulters are held in prisons.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:

  As of Monday 10 September the Scottish Prison Service had in custody 5,833 sentenced prisoners, of which 623 had defaulted on fine payments. Of this 39 have no other concurrent sentences.

  

All Sentenced Prisoners
Fine Defaulters
%
Exclusive Fine Defaulters
%


5,833
623
10.6%
39
0.66%

Public Appointments

John Wilson (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive on how many Executive agency and non-departmental public body boards Willie Haughey OBE serves and what remuneration he receives for serving on these boards.

John Swinney: Willie Haughey OBE does not sit on any Executive agency or non-departmental public body boards. He is, however, the chair of the Scottish Enterprise Careers Scotland Advisory Board. This is a board internal to Scottish Enterprise to give advice on the operation of Careers Scotland within the Scottish Enterprise area. He is also a member of the Smith Group, which works with ministers on giving direction for Scottish Government policies on young people. Neither of these two appointments is remunerated.

Public Sector

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many meals were served by public sector agencies in 2006 and will be served in 2007.

John Swinney: This is a matter for public sector agencies and no information is held centrally by the Scottish Government.

Public Sector

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it will take to encourage the use of more locally grown produce in the public sector.

Richard Lochhead: We are working with those responsible for public procurement to ensure factors such as seasonality, freshness and methods of production are included in tender specifications.

Roads

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many road traffic accidents have been recorded on roundabouts on the A75 (a) east and (b) west of Castle Douglas in each year since 1997.

Stewart Stevenson: The roundabouts on the A75 trunk road to the east and west of Castle Douglas have recorded six and three personal injury accidents respectively since 1997. The following table shows how many accidents have occurred in each year since 1997.

  

Year
A75 East of Castle Douglas (Allanton)
A75 West of Castle Douglas (Hightae)


1997
1
0


1998
1
1


1999
2
1


2000
0
1


2001
1
0


2002
1
0


2003
0
0


2004
0
0


2005
0
0


2006
0
0


Total
6
3



  Transport Scotland has operational responsibility for this matter and can be contacted for further information.

Rural Development

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what the cost would be of providing one-year extensions to the (a) Rural Stewardship Scheme, (b) Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme (c) and Organic Aid Scheme agreements that expire in 2007.

Richard Lochhead: There is no legal basis for extending agreements under these schemes which expire in 2007. However, participants in these schemes whose agreements are expiring in 2007 will have the opportunity to enter into Rural Development Contracts under the new Scotland Rural Development Programme which we expect to secure EU approval later this year. The annual payments for agreements expiring in 2007 is estimated to be (a) £3.75 million (for Rural Stewardship), (b) £1 million (for Environmentally Sensitive Areas) and (c) £160,000 (for Organic Aid).

Rural Development

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how new entrants to the farming and crofting sectors can access Single Farm Payment support.

Richard Lochhead: At present, new entrants to farming and crofting who wish to access Single Farm Payment support may only do so, in accordance with EC Regulation 1782/2003, by purchasing entitlements on the open market or through inheritance of entitlements. Recognising the difficulties faced by new entrants, we have included in the proposed Scotland Rural Development Programme a measure that will make an additional £10 million available to them, and I have also asked the Tenant Farming Forum to consider other ways in which we can help new entrants.

Rural Development

Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many native cattle were introduced or retained on Scottish farms and crofts under the Rural Stewardship Scheme in each year since its inception, broken down by area.

Richard Lochhead: The information requested is given in the following tables.

  Table a - Number of native cattle introduced under the Rural Stewardship Scheme

  

SERPID Area Office
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Total


Ayr
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Benbecula
0
0
0
0
38
38
76


Dumfries
0
0
0
0
2
0
2


Elgin
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Galashiels
0
0
0
0
0
2
2


Hamilton
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Inverness
20
4
5
43
39
16
127


Inverurie
0
0
2
0
11
5
18


Kirkwall
2
0
0
0
0
9
11


Lairg
0
0
0
10
20
38
68


Lerwick
0
0
0
0
9
2
11


Oban
0
0
2
0
0
0
2


Perth
0
0
0
0
6
0
6


Portree
0
0
2
22
36
22
82


Stornoway
8
11
7
16
32
12
86


Thurso
0
0
8
6
4
18
36


Total
30
15
26
97
197
162
527



  Table b - Number of Native Cattle Retained Under the Rural Stewardship Scheme

  

SERPID Area Office
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Total


Ayr
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Benbecula
0
0
2
0
14
12
28


Dumfries
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Elgin
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Galashiels
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Hamilton
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Inverness
63
0
13
5
24
8
113


Inverurie
0
0
0
0
0
7
7


Kirkwall
0
0
0
0
2
6
8


Lairg
0
0
0
0
4
6
10


Lerwick
0
0
0
0
24
10
34


Oban
0
0
8
0
0
0
8


Perth
0
0
0
0
0
2
2


Portree
0
0
4
25
45
20
94


Stornoway
0
2
3
5
20
0
30


Thurso
0
0
0
0
5
2
7


Total
63
2
30
35
138
73
341



  Source: SERPID.

Rural Development

Trish Godman (West Renfrewshire) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what recent representations have been received from COSLA, voluntary organisations and other interested parties anent the construction of affordable social housing for former members of the armed services wounded or injured in Iraq or Afghanistan or during United Nations peace-keeping operations and others discharged as a result of injuries or illnesses suffered whilst serving with the armed forces.

Nicola Sturgeon: There have been no recent representations on these issues.

Scottish Government Publications

Derek Brownlee (South of Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many copies of Principles and Priorities: The Government’s Programme for Scotland were published; to whom they were distributed, and what the total cost was of (a) printing and all associated costs and (b) distribution and all associated costs.

Bruce Crawford: A total of 500 copies of the document Principles and Priorities: The Government’s Programme for Scotland were printed. The document was also placed on the Scottish Government website. Copies of the document were distributed to all MSPs, to members of the media and a small number made available within Government.

  The total cost of the printing the document and associated tasks was approximately £7,000 including VAT. No additional distribution costs have been incurred.

Scottish Water

Des McNulty (Clydebank and Milngavie) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what investigations have been conducted by Scottish Water in respect of the failed tests for trihalomethanes in the East Dunbartonshire Council area, referred to on page 47 of Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2006.

Richard Lochhead: East Dunbartonshire is supplied from Milngavie water treatment works. The failed tests for trihalomethanes in 2006 were directly attributable to the limited treatment at Milngavie water treatment works. Scottish Water is currently investing £120 million to improve the treatment process at Milngavie and this includes addressing the level of trihalomethanes. 250,000 customers served by Milngavie are already being supplied with improved quality drinking water and the final 450,000 will officially be switched over to the new supply on 3 October 2007.

Scottish Water

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how much Scottish Water has paid in bonuses to its directors since its creation.

Stewart Stevenson: This information is contained in Scottish Water’s Annual Accounts which are laid in Parliament every year and published. These are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre under the following reference numbers:

  

Year
Bib. Number


2002-03
28754


2003-04
33541


2004-05
36848


2005-06
39906


2006-07
43566

Scottish Water

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what Scottish Water’s net debt has been in each year since its creation.

Stewart Stevenson: Figures for Scottish Water’s net debt for each year may be found in its Annual Accounts. These are available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre under the following reference numbers:

  

Year
Bib. Number


2002-03
28754


2003-04
33541


2004-05
36848


2005-06
39906


2006-07
43566

Scottish Water

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive, in relation to the Water Supply (Water Quality) (Scotland) Regulations 2001, how many authorised departures have been (a) applied for by Scottish Water and (b) permitted by the Scottish ministers in each year, broken down by local authority area.

Richard Lochhead: Since the Regulations came into force Scottish Water has applied for 42 authorised departures. Scottish ministers have granted 37 of these and the breakdown by local authority is detailed in the following table.

  

Year
Local Authority
Applications
Granted


2004
Argyll and Bute Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Dumfries and Galloway Highland Orkney Shetland
1721711
1721310


2005
Highland
2
2


2006
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Dumfries and Galloway Highland
128
128

Standards Commission for Scotland

John Wilson (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what mechanisms are in place to monitor the effectiveness of the Standards Commission for Scotland.

John Swinney: The Standards Commission works within an agreed framework and has a set of key objectives and performance targets relating to those objectives (which are set out in their corporate and business plans and are approved by ministers).

  Performance against these targets is reported quarterly and reviewed by the Scottish Government.

Supermarkets

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when an independent ombudsman will be appointed to give powers to the Supermarket Code of Practice to ensure a fair deal for primary producers, as referred to in the 2007 SNP manifesto, and what these powers will be.

Richard Lochhead: The Competition Commission is currently looking into the performance of supermarkets in relation to the Supermarket Code of Practice and we will await the outcome of their investigation.

Swimming Pools

Karen Whitefield (Airdrie and Shotts) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to provide free access to council swimming pools for young people.

Stewart Maxwell: The provision of free access to council swimming pools for young people is being considered as part of the local government settlement under the 2007 Spending Review.

Transport

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated whole life costs are for each of the proposed options for a new Forth crossing, given the proposed 120-year minimum lifespan of the new crossing.

Stewart Stevenson: The costs and benefits of providing, operating and maintaining the Forth Replacement Crossing are estimated over 60 years, in line with Treasury guidance on economic appraisal and evaluation.

  The operating and maintenance costs over 60 years are estimated at £594 million for a tunnel and £647 million for a bridge.Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area and can be contacted if required.

Transport

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated levels of road and rail traffic crossing the Firth of Forth will be (a) 30, (b) 60, (c) 90 and (d) 120 years hence, given the proposed 120-year minimum lifespan of the new crossing.

Stewart Stevenson: There are no projections of traffic over 30, 60, 90 or 120 years as these fall far beyond the limits over which any reasonable estimate of traffic levels can reliably be made.

  Transport Scotland has the operational responsibility for this area and can be contacted if required.

Transport

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated costs would be, at 2006 prices, to convert each of the proposed options for a new Forth crossing from road traffic use to (a) light and (b) heavy rail use at some point during the crossing’s proposed minimum 120-year lifespan.

Stewart Stevenson: The costs associated with including light rail at the design stage for each of the proposed options were provided at the Public Information Exhibitions.